320 Lees Ave | 2x89m + 2x102m | 2x28f + 2x32f | U/C

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

JOT 13 wrote:


Many universities are looking to private investors to build residences. That makes me think that the model where universities build them ad collect revenues does not work anymore.

Part of the reason (not all of it) may be that universities are subject to a formula that puts a ceiling on how much debt they can carry. Much of that debt capacity is taken up to finance academic and research buildings--e.g. STEM, FHS, AMRC. Borrowing to build residences would put them above the ceiling and lenders would not go for that.

uOttawa may derive revenue by having private interests build on university land. They will probably lease the land to them.

Thanks for the explanation.

[urbanforest]

Not sure if this has already been noted but I drove by the other day and it looks like something is happening here. A lot of topsoil was scraped up and there were little stakes and flags in the ground. It seemed like maybe they’re testing the soil for contamination or something? Not sure.

[J.OT13]

I've heard a few reports of some activity at the site.

[zzptichka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I've heard a few reports of some activity at the site.

A couple of excavators from a week ago:

[urbanforest]

This was the site today:





Maybe I'm getting too excited but it looks like this one is getting underway.

[eltodesukane]

Is 2 Robinson Ave. the correct address?
Looks more like Lees Ave or Chapel Crescent on the map.

[urbanforest]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

Is 2 Robinson Ave. the correct address?
Looks more like Lees Ave or Chapel Crescent on the map.

GeoOttawa has it listed as both 2 Robinson and 320 Lees. Why? I have no idea.

edit: I guess it’s because the address is still based on the road configuration from before they realigned Lees in the 90s. They would do well to adopt the Lees address to avoid confusion for future residents and visitors.

[c_speed3108]

scrolling through the historic photos in geo ottawa, I would say that area wins the award for the most "re-aligned" section of roads in the city!

[J.OT13]

Old configuration seemed far better. Probably just made it harder to get on the Queensway East. I'm sure they could have come up with a better solution than the current mess.

Wish they did finish the Alta Vista Parkway with basic on/off ramps so we can demolish the spaghetti factory of ramps and better utilize the land.

[SL123]

A lot of trees have been cut and a few machines are on site! Some sort of site prep is definitely underway!

[Arcologist]

I don't mind the new layout, but I agree with some of the comments that some height variation in the four towers would be nice. Shorten the tower on the east end of the site along Chapel Cres by 10-12 floors and add those to the south tower on Lees.

I also don't know why they're planning active frontage on Lees?!? It's such a car-focused road that it seems like a strange place to focus people-centric activities. IMO, it would be better on Chapel or even facing the arena, which would hopefully also be redeveloped down the road.

[urbanforest]

Progress as of July 25.

[Harley613]

I'm really surprised to see this one moving ahead. Didn't they lose a deal with uOttawa on this project?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by urbanforest

Progress as of July 25.

They just snapped the trees and left the splintered trunks? Dangerous much? Also, why did they need to remove those trees in the first place?

Originally Posted by Harley613

I'm really surprised to see this one moving ahead. Didn't they lose a deal with uOttawa on this project?

Even if they don't have a deal with uOttawa, this place will still be filled with students. It's like the existing Lees towers; unofficial student residences.

[zzptichka]

Ugh. What is wrong with them? Aren't they on city property to begin with?

[J.OT13]

This is really frustrating. I can't see any reason why they'd do that.

[urbanforest]

Looking at Geo Ottawa, they do seem to be on City property. Given that the plans call for (at least some) trees along Lees, this is really stupid and frustrating.

And the tree butchering continues. The poor folks in the townhomes off Chapel are getting more direct sunlight in their homes than they've had in decades. It looks like they only stopped where they did because one of the trees is leaning heavily toward the building and they wouldn't have been able to take it down (with the excavator no less) without it falling on the houses. I'm guessing they'll bring in an arborist to deal with that and then continue removing the large cluster of trees in the northern corner of the property.

Photos from July 30th.

[J.OT13]

Looking at these Waterloo looking student ghetto towers, I'm not really surprised the developer doesn't seem to care about saving some established greenery or being good neighbours. These will provide much needed (hopefully relativly cheap) student housing (official or not), but it won't add anything to the city's urbanism.

[SkeggsEggs]

is there penalties for violating the tree conservation plan? those trees along those houses look like they shouldn't have been touched.

the street trees were removed for a future cycle track it looks like

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

This is really frustrating. I can't see any reason why they'd do that.

The project retaining wall would probably have done a number on the trees' roots.